Chumsai was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the United States, the daughter of Thai immigrants.

[2] Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, she traveled to Thailand to visit relatives and found a side job as a model for various fashion magazines.

She went on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant held in the Philippines, placing 13th overall, and being the recipient of the "Best Kodak Smile".

In 2005, she co-directed alongside Nisa Kongsri the film Innocence (Dek toh), which documented the schooling and lives of the hill tribe children in northern Thailand.

Proceeds from the film have gone to the hill tribe children; in addition, Chumsai and Kongsri have continued to raise awareness across the country and through their charity work.